Drew Michael McWeeney is a Ph.D. student and professor of education at the University of Hartford where he teaches various teacher education courses and supervises student teachers in early childhood education.
Prior to his appointment at the University of Hartford, Mr. McWeeney spent five years in both rural and urban Connecticut as a public school infant, toddler and preschool special education (Autism, and severe and profound disabilities) teacher.
During his time as a teacher, Mr. McWeeney was one of 18 teachers in his district to have received the Parent Choice Award in 2020. He also received the highest teacher evaluation ratings for all five years in his district; and because of this, he received multiple competitive grants totaling over $153,000 from the Connecticut State Department of Education, and from the Connecticut Education Association in recognition for his students' annual gains.
He is the drummer for the Travelers Chorale, the oldest company-affiliated choral group in America, and freelances around the Northeastern United States as a percussionist and a composer, assisting-ranging from many well-known cover bands to original bands, as well as professional and university conservatory-level ensembles. Currently, he is a member of Zac-N-Fried and Screamin Eagle Band. His music is recorded on the independent label and includes eleven total discs.
Highlights include recordings with and performances alongside Jeewon Park, Ronald Carter, David Darling, William Boughton, Daniel Perkins, Michael Philip Mossman, Jerry Springer, Bruce Gregori, Charlie Morgan, Dennis Gallo, Nathan East, Alex Brown, as well as Guy Walker at venues including, but not limited to: destination weddings, music festivals, fairs, concert halls, lobbies, resorts and casinos, and other 10,000+ capacity venues.
In addition to music, Mr. McWeeney is an opinion columnist whose polemical writings have been featured in state and national newspapers, and has been cited in various media outlets including, but not limited to: CNN, The Atlantic, and the Indian newspaper Rising Nepal. In 2019, he was the subject for Southern Connecticut State University's national television commercial. In 2020, Mr. McWeeney received a Grammy nomination for his part in David Darling’s album Homage to Kindness.
Current projects include two books on education, a piece for string quartet and upright bass, a piece for percussion ensemble and multiple percussion, the writing and publishing of unfinished music of David Darling for producer Mickey Houlihan, a symphony for the University of California—San Diego Chamber Orchestra, music for the University of Northern Colorado Chamber Choir, and studio work with and for bassist Kenny Passarelli.
Mr. McWeeney is also the owner of McWeeney Aquatic Consulting, LTP, LLC, and is licensed to practice in Connecticut. His firm specializes in aquatic programming, development, and services for both aquatic industry workers and facilities.
Of all is his proudest accomplishment raising two daughters, Madeline Linda and Savannah Carmella.